South Africa 38 Wales 16

WALES suffered a demoralising 38-16 hammering in Durban after being comprehensively outplayed by a bigger and sharper South Africa.

Warren Gatland’s men had hoped to make history at Kings Park yet the wait for a Welsh victory on South African soil – and a first success since the solitary win in 1999 – goes on.

The Springboks pretty much had the victory in the bag before a quarter had been played and the only consolation was that the margin of defeat could have been an awful lot bigger.

The hope had been that Wales would take a leaf out of the book of World Cup group stage rivals England by taking it to a southern hemisphere big guns.

But while Stuart Lancaster’s side have given New Zealand a pair of Test scares, it was all too easy for the Boks and a dramatic Welsh improvement will be needed in Nelspruit next weekend to at least make it a contest.

Wales made a bright start with fly-half Dan Biggar booting them into an early lead with a smart drop goal.

From 3-0 up it went horrendously wrong with the tourists lacking snap in defence, losing the aerial battle and giving too much space to the Springboks’ dangerous runners.

Wales operated behind the gain line, South Africa marched over it.

The hosts were in front when wing Bryan Habana won the race to full-back Willie le Roux’s deft chip over the top and fly-half Morne Steyn added the extras.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts was then sin-binned for taking the home number 15 out in the air and the Boks made their extra man count.

They opted to kick a penalty to the corner rather than at the posts and the decision was rewarded when number eight Duane Vermeulen bulldozed over.

Biggar banged over another drop goal but Habana raced over straight from the restart to make it 21-6 before Le Roux chipped and gathered for try number four.

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It was 28-9 at half-time but it could have been even worse; thankfully the South Africans had five pointless trips to the Welsh 22.

The hosts kept up racking up the points after the restart with Steyn kicking an early penalty and then expertly converting from the right touchline to make it 38-9 after wing Cornal Hendricks was put over down the right by that man le Roux.

Wales thought that they crossed the whitewash for the first time when replacement scrum-half Gareth Davies made a lightning 50-metre break, passed to Biggar and then received the ball back from his half-back partner.

However, referee Romain Poite went to the TMO and it was chalked off for the ‘assist’ being forward.

The try did eventually come in the 69th minute when turnover ball was worked right for wing Alex Cuthbert to show that he is one of the most deadly finishers in the world game to race over from 80 metres after outfoxing le Roux.

Wales showed much better defence at the death to prevent the hosts from having the final say but it was too little, too late.

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Comments (17)

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.Ollie254

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Score: -7

the dork says...11:26am Sun 15 Jun 14

It was boys v men

It was boys v menthe dork

It was boys v men

Score: 6

Caerleonboy says...12:28pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

[quote][p][bold]Ollie254[/bold] wrote:
Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.[/p][/quote]Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?Caerleonboy

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

Score: 11

Melvyn The Milk says...12:53pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Outgunned physically, we look completely lost when we meet our match in this department. When Hook, Davies and Morgan came on we started to look like a 21st century rugby team, able to compete with the likes of Le Roux, Carter and Cooper. We have the flair players. We always have had them, even if they haven't been picked. Hook's absence from the squad is criminal. What we lack is real raw physicality, the type to match NZ, SA and now England. The type forged not in gyms with protein powder but provided by hard men. I don't know the full answer but sure as hell, regional rugby is not providing it.

Outgunned physically, we look completely lost when we meet our match in this department. When Hook, Davies and Morgan came on we started to look like a 21st century rugby team, able to compete with the likes of Le Roux, Carter and Cooper. We have the flair players. We always have had them, even if they haven't been picked. Hook's absence from the squad is criminal. What we lack is real raw physicality, the type to match NZ, SA and now England. The type forged not in gyms with protein powder but provided by hard men. I don't know the full answer but sure as hell, regional rugby is not providing it.Melvyn The Milk

Outgunned physically, we look completely lost when we meet our match in this department. When Hook, Davies and Morgan came on we started to look like a 21st century rugby team, able to compete with the likes of Le Roux, Carter and Cooper. We have the flair players. We always have had them, even if they haven't been picked. Hook's absence from the squad is criminal. What we lack is real raw physicality, the type to match NZ, SA and now England. The type forged not in gyms with protein powder but provided by hard men. I don't know the full answer but sure as hell, regional rugby is not providing it.

Score: 3

Euwan Usami says...1:34pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Traditionally SA have also used brut force to beat the best sides in the world. We should take a page out of Australia's book. They, like us, can't compete physically so they use a bit of flair to get the better of them. I think you can cause SA problems with quick ball. It's possible to run around them. We need to start with the likes of Hook, Morgan et al. Play a fast game. Get North more involved and play like Australia do when faced with SA. Can't do any worse can we?

Traditionally SA have also used brut force to beat the best sides in the world. We should take a page out of Australia's book. They, like us, can't compete physically so they use a bit of flair to get the better of them. I think you can cause SA problems with quick ball. It's possible to run around them. We need to start with the likes of Hook, Morgan et al. Play a fast game. Get North more involved and play like Australia do when faced with SA. Can't do any worse can we?Euwan Usami

Traditionally SA have also used brut force to beat the best sides in the world. We should take a page out of Australia's book. They, like us, can't compete physically so they use a bit of flair to get the better of them. I think you can cause SA problems with quick ball. It's possible to run around them. We need to start with the likes of Hook, Morgan et al. Play a fast game. Get North more involved and play like Australia do when faced with SA. Can't do any worse can we?

Score: 3

Ollie254 says...1:49pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Caerleonboy wrote…

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.

[quote][p][bold]Caerleonboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Ollie254[/bold] wrote:
Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.[/p][/quote]Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?[/p][/quote]Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.Ollie254

Caerleonboy wrote…

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.

Score: 0

Euwan Usami says...2:42pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Ollie254 wrote…

Caerleonboy wrote…

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.

The reason for regional rugby was everyone being fed up with Wales getting stuffed in internationals. The consequence of regional rugby was the discarding of a century or more of club history. Big price to pay I agree. To make matters worse money has caused chaos in Wales and we are now reduced to developing youngsters for the Eng and French leagues. Non of this however is the fault of the regional system.

[quote][p][bold]Ollie254[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Caerleonboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Ollie254[/bold] wrote:
Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.[/p][/quote]Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?[/p][/quote]Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.[/p][/quote]The reason for regional rugby was everyone being fed up with Wales getting stuffed in internationals. The consequence of regional rugby was the discarding of a century or more of club history. Big price to pay I agree. To make matters worse money has caused chaos in Wales and we are now reduced to developing youngsters for the Eng and French leagues. Non of this however is the fault of the regional system.Euwan Usami

Ollie254 wrote…

Caerleonboy wrote…

Ollie254 wrote…

Regional rugby continues to provide all the answers......thank you Mr Moffett.

Yeah, because we had such a great winning record against South Africa before regionalisation, didn't we?

Yeah well driving our old clubs to the wall hasn't helped then has it.

The reason for regional rugby was everyone being fed up with Wales getting stuffed in internationals. The consequence of regional rugby was the discarding of a century or more of club history. Big price to pay I agree. To make matters worse money has caused chaos in Wales and we are now reduced to developing youngsters for the Eng and French leagues. Non of this however is the fault of the regional system.

Score: 6

Port0214 says...8:23pm Sun 15 Jun 14

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.Port0214

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

Score: 0

Euwan Usami says...8:48pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

[quote][p][bold]Port0214[/bold] wrote:
God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.[/p][/quote]If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.Euwan Usami

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

Score: 7

Melvyn The Milk says...10:08pm Sun 15 Jun 14

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.

[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Port0214[/bold] wrote:
God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.[/p][/quote]If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.[/p][/quote]The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.Melvyn The Milk

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.

Score: -1

DaiFrank says...12:37am Mon 16 Jun 14

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

I have read your nonsense and those that think like you for so long it's getting to the point that I'm reluctantly beginning to laugh. Your limitations/lack of creative thinking/dire commercial vision is below that of Stalin. If there was a 'system' invented to dispose of people like you I'd be first in the queue to flush you and the other Gwentists/regionalis ts away and happily wave goodbye whilst puffing merrily on a Cohiba. 'If there isn't the money ...' ! Don't be such a fool. There is plenty of money; the point (no direct reference to Marx) is to attract it. There is more wealth produced today (globally) than any point in history despite the myth of 'austerity'. Give an entrepreneur the chance in a successful future they'll take it. And the potential of success has been there for a long time. The problem has and is the equally limited vision - if I can use that word - of the infantile WRU supported I may add by the acquiescent clubs who largely follow their leader. Moffet, for all his faults, understood this, but it's like trying to breath life into the dead. The retarded and limited State Governance of the WRU is 'the' obstacle currently to creating a system for attracting finance whilst retaining integrity/tradition in rugby. BTW if you're not an adult I apologise for expressing free-speech and potentially offending you. If you are an adult .. well enough said.

[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Port0214[/bold] wrote:
God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.[/p][/quote]If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.[/p][/quote]I have read your nonsense and those that think like you for so long it's getting to the point that I'm reluctantly beginning to laugh. Your limitations/lack of creative thinking/dire commercial vision is below that of Stalin. If there was a 'system' invented to dispose of people like you I'd be first in the queue to flush you and the other Gwentists/regionalis
ts away and happily wave goodbye whilst puffing merrily on a Cohiba. 'If there isn't the money ...' ! Don't be such a fool. There is plenty of money; the point (no direct reference to Marx) is to attract it. There is more wealth produced today (globally) than any point in history despite the myth of 'austerity'. Give an entrepreneur the chance in a successful future they'll take it. And the potential of success has been there for a long time. The problem has and is the equally limited vision - if I can use that word - of the infantile WRU supported I may add by the acquiescent clubs who largely follow their leader. Moffet, for all his faults, understood this, but it's like trying to breath life into the dead. The retarded and limited State Governance of the WRU is 'the' obstacle currently to creating a system for attracting finance whilst retaining integrity/tradition in rugby. BTW if you're not an adult I apologise for expressing free-speech and potentially offending you. If you are an adult .. well enough said.DaiFrank

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

I have read your nonsense and those that think like you for so long it's getting to the point that I'm reluctantly beginning to laugh. Your limitations/lack of creative thinking/dire commercial vision is below that of Stalin. If there was a 'system' invented to dispose of people like you I'd be first in the queue to flush you and the other Gwentists/regionalis ts away and happily wave goodbye whilst puffing merrily on a Cohiba. 'If there isn't the money ...' ! Don't be such a fool. There is plenty of money; the point (no direct reference to Marx) is to attract it. There is more wealth produced today (globally) than any point in history despite the myth of 'austerity'. Give an entrepreneur the chance in a successful future they'll take it. And the potential of success has been there for a long time. The problem has and is the equally limited vision - if I can use that word - of the infantile WRU supported I may add by the acquiescent clubs who largely follow their leader. Moffet, for all his faults, understood this, but it's like trying to breath life into the dead. The retarded and limited State Governance of the WRU is 'the' obstacle currently to creating a system for attracting finance whilst retaining integrity/tradition in rugby. BTW if you're not an adult I apologise for expressing free-speech and potentially offending you. If you are an adult .. well enough said.

Score: -8

Caerleonboy says...7:40am Mon 16 Jun 14

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

Exactly. If there were 12 clubs the talent would be spread out much more thinly, because unfortunately there are just not enough good rugby players in Wales who can play professionally. If there were enough, I'm sure everyone would support a return to the club system. Then there's the issue of funding. Each top flight club would end up with a fraction of what each region gets currently, and considering how the regions feel about their funding at the moment I just don't see how the WRU could provide enough cash for all 12. Also, it's a well known fact that most pro clubs make a loss, even the majority of the English clubs. It's therefore difficult because to draw the crowds because investment in the squad is needed first to bring success on the pitch, which is the biggest crowd drawer. But that doesn't come easily unless you have a big backer like Bath do who is willing to make a huge loss to see a rugby club (potentially) be successful. Does anyone really think that Toulon would be double European champions if they didn't have all that money pumped in from Mourad Boudjellal? Of course not, so until the regions get proper funding, from both the WRU and private investors, they just can't compete. Neither would 3 times as many clubs.

[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Port0214[/bold] wrote:
God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.[/p][/quote]If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.[/p][/quote]Exactly. If there were 12 clubs the talent would be spread out much more thinly, because unfortunately there are just not enough good rugby players in Wales who can play professionally. If there were enough, I'm sure everyone would support a return to the club system. Then there's the issue of funding. Each top flight club would end up with a fraction of what each region gets currently, and considering how the regions feel about their funding at the moment I just don't see how the WRU could provide enough cash for all 12. Also, it's a well known fact that most pro clubs make a loss, even the majority of the English clubs. It's therefore difficult because to draw the crowds because investment in the squad is needed first to bring success on the pitch, which is the biggest crowd drawer. But that doesn't come easily unless you have a big backer like Bath do who is willing to make a huge loss to see a rugby club (potentially) be successful. Does anyone really think that Toulon would be double European champions if they didn't have all that money pumped in from Mourad Boudjellal? Of course not, so until the regions get proper funding, from both the WRU and private investors, they just can't compete. Neither would 3 times as many clubs.Caerleonboy

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

Exactly. If there were 12 clubs the talent would be spread out much more thinly, because unfortunately there are just not enough good rugby players in Wales who can play professionally. If there were enough, I'm sure everyone would support a return to the club system. Then there's the issue of funding. Each top flight club would end up with a fraction of what each region gets currently, and considering how the regions feel about their funding at the moment I just don't see how the WRU could provide enough cash for all 12. Also, it's a well known fact that most pro clubs make a loss, even the majority of the English clubs. It's therefore difficult because to draw the crowds because investment in the squad is needed first to bring success on the pitch, which is the biggest crowd drawer. But that doesn't come easily unless you have a big backer like Bath do who is willing to make a huge loss to see a rugby club (potentially) be successful. Does anyone really think that Toulon would be double European champions if they didn't have all that money pumped in from Mourad Boudjellal? Of course not, so until the regions get proper funding, from both the WRU and private investors, they just can't compete. Neither would 3 times as many clubs.

Score: 7

Thor at the door says...9:04am Mon 16 Jun 14

Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play! Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing! The game is soft and boring now, no edge! When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!!

Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play!
Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing!
The game is soft and boring now, no edge!
When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!!Thor at the door

Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play! Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing! The game is soft and boring now, no edge! When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!!

Score: 2

Mervyn James says...9:23am Mon 16 Jun 14

I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......

I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......Mervyn James

I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......

Score: 2

Thor at the door says...10:06am Mon 16 Jun 14

Mervyn James wrote…

I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......

Check this out... way ahead of us and even a trip down memory lane..... playing for the badge! http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=YUMTt6fqY qg

[quote][p][bold]Mervyn James[/bold] wrote:
I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......[/p][/quote]Check this out... way ahead of us and even a trip down memory lane..... playing for the badge!
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=YUMTt6fqY
qgThor at the door

Mervyn James wrote…

I recall years ago in the valleys, when they used to tell us about a miner doing a 12hr shift underground then off to take part in a rugby match after,and they took few prisoners, it was a fair free for all. The physicality was not lacking ! When you think of the dietitian, health and physical build up and advice tacticians etc and we turn up simply to offer little fight afterwards, it is the welsh malady, we don't see losing as a bad thing, in NZ winning is everything. Welsh rugby stars need the right mind-set. We have the flair but without the will to win......

Check this out... way ahead of us and even a trip down memory lane..... playing for the badge! http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=YUMTt6fqY qg

Score: 0

Euwan Usami says...12:59pm Mon 16 Jun 14

Melvyn The Milk wrote…

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.

yeah I think most would agree but I think the regions are unsure which way to leap for fear of losing out.

[quote][p][bold]Melvyn The Milk[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Port0214[/bold] wrote:
God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her.
Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.[/p][/quote]If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.[/p][/quote]The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.[/p][/quote]yeah I think most would agree but I think the regions are unsure which way to leap for fear of losing out.Euwan Usami

Melvyn The Milk wrote…

Euwan Usami wrote…

Port0214 wrote…

God bless the W.R.U. and all who sail in her. Cardiff city get a crowd roughly the size of the gates of all four regions put together in my opinion that speaks volumes, and yet they persist with this regional comedy.

If there isn't the money to support 4 regional teams to the level required to keep Welsh players in Wales or make the teams competitive in Europe then please explain to me how having 12 or more clubs sides makes any sense at all? Many don't like regional rugby but theres is no going back. Higher investment leading to more successful sides is the only way forward. Like it or not.

The brand is all wrong. All four need rebranding. If it has to be under the banner of clubs then so be it. The national cause is too important now to delay this. Regions have failed because they are not regions.

yeah I think most would agree but I think the regions are unsure which way to leap for fear of losing out.

Score: 2

Euwan Usami says...7:45pm Mon 16 Jun 14

Thor at the door wrote…

Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play! Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing! The game is soft and boring now, no edge! When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!!

I think the only way you will get "Clubs" back in the picture is if the four regions to jump ship and join the English Premiership. If you believe half what you read in the press ref the ongoing issues between the WRU and RRW then its still not impossible. Maybe in a season or so time. The game is all about money and to be successful you have to follow it. As much as I would like to see the Welsh league restored it's just fantasy to think it's possible imo.

[quote][p][bold]Thor at the door[/bold] wrote:
Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play!
Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing!
The game is soft and boring now, no edge!
When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!![/p][/quote]I think the only way you will get "Clubs" back in the picture is if the four regions to jump ship and join the English Premiership. If you believe half what you read in the press ref the ongoing issues between the WRU and RRW then its still not impossible. Maybe in a season or so time. The game is all about money and to be successful you have to follow it. As much as I would like to see the Welsh league restored it's just fantasy to think it's possible imo.Euwan Usami

Thor at the door wrote…

Go back to the club system. Create some rivalry, bring back rucking and let the players play! Everything is so structured, it's boring to watch for a start! I watch games from the 80's and 90's on youtube- Pony v Cardiff - Newport v Cardiff etc.... watch them, see what we are missing! The game is soft and boring now, no edge! When was the last time you seen a good dust up? A bit of passion? They should be spitting feathers when they run out of that tunnel! but they don’t...... they just want to make sure they hit their stats quota!!

I think the only way you will get "Clubs" back in the picture is if the four regions to jump ship and join the English Premiership. If you believe half what you read in the press ref the ongoing issues between the WRU and RRW then its still not impossible. Maybe in a season or so time. The game is all about money and to be successful you have to follow it. As much as I would like to see the Welsh league restored it's just fantasy to think it's possible imo.

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